ABIDE Part 4

Scripture

John 15:9–11 NKJV

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Remain in a love that the father has for me. This how you do it. How will we remain?

I. What is the Fathers Love in John 15:9?

It is an amazing blemish free love that has no conditions attached.

How good would it be to know that no matter what, you are loved. This is amplified by an imperfect human condition that is filled with mistake. This is also an important that parents should not tie the love they extend to obedience. Even when we discipline, it should be evident that love remains.

That love brings security

That love is sacrificial on the part of the giver

That love is eternal and never-ending

Jesus is saying this same personal and intimate level of love that exists in the Godhead between the father and the son, we are partakers of. It is intense and overwhelming.

This is how men are called to love their spouses (Ephesians 5:25). Oh what would the world look like if we could love our spouses intensely while overlooking their imperfections on a NEVER ending basis? It is easy to do when we first “fall in love”. Certain things that may now cause frustration were found as cute because “Love covered it”

1 Peter 4:8 NKJV

8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Proverbs 10:12 NKJV

12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

The profoundness of God’s love for us is not just the perfect love that both exist in and is the Father. It also Perfect love expressed for a far from from perfect creation.

Dads and mom’s When was the last time you intentionally expressed love to your children? When was the last time you gave a deliberate loving act. Is your praise as lavish and abundant as your correction?

That type of love ushers in grace and promotes healing. It causes us to seek restoration over retribution. When we have found a broken brother or sister, it causes us to examine ourselves before we seek to expose others.

Oh that the body of Christ could find the love that unites! Grace is a much more powerful force than shame! This is not an excuse to tolerate unrepentant sin. It is an opportunity to recognize when grace and restoration should be extended. For too long Judgement with no grace or mercy attached has been the hammer and every offense has been a nail.

II. Abiding Pushes us closer to Obedience

Even Cain who faced the judgement of God for murder, exprienced also the mercy of God in a mark to save his life. He did not deserve the mark for he had taken a life. But in this instance we see both the Justice of God and the mercy of God coexisting.

We who believe have received that love by grace through faith in Jesus.

The question may arise. Does this not foster a culture of people who live loosely and abuse the grace given toward them? Actually, it is quite the opposite. The mercy of God draws those who are connected and truly repentant.

Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV

3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

To abide in the love of God is not an invitation regress. It is an invitation to live in fellowship with our creator and be drawn to holiness. Our obedience and pursuit of holiness is not fear based. It is a product and of love and gratitude .

Luke 7:45–47 NKJV

45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

When we abide in God’s love obedience is both a catalyst and a prooftext. Jesus is part of the triune Godhead. He flows in perfect obedience and unity with the father.

This is what is commanded of us to day. The path that leads to communion harmony and fellowship with the Father is obedience to the instructions of the Son. We should be scouring His word which points directly to Himself.

Our obedience proof texts his Lordship in our Life. Our connection, submission and harmony to Jesus produces lasting Joy in our lives. This joy is not attached to the events of life. It is an assurance that in every event we are connecting to the Creator and his purpose for our lives. When a rock climbers climbs, he surrounded by danger. How does he “enjoy” the experience? He makes sure his safety connection are secure. That way even if he should falter and fall they have security because of their connection. In other words they can live life knowing that their failures will not be utlimately fatal. They are not promised a trip free from bumps and scratches. As a matter of fact, t. hey expect them.They can enjoy the experience because they are secure.

How many are living and not joyful because we are not sure if our connections is secure? This morning Christ calls us to abide in obedience. This way no matter happens we canlive a life of abundant and unbridled joy!

III. Remain in His Love

Jesus in John 15 is 12-15 hours from the cross. He is preparing his disciples for the shock and trauma and uncertainty that is soon to come. But He lets them know they are never alone. Even when his physical presence is gone away from them, Holy Spirit will abide.My encouragement to you today is to remain in his love. Experience that connection and fellowship that is manifested through obedience to the Jesus. To experience the fulness of Joy.

Psalm 16:11 NKJV

11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Let us stand.

ties and to the fatherHow dow we remain in his love?